Other Deities

Puravar Panankattur is an east facing temple with a 5 tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance. A single Prakaram houses all the shrimes and the Sanctum sanctorum. The goddess is in a separate east facing shrine north of the main deity. Outside the Rajagopuram are some pillars with lion carvings in the base. This temple was threatened when the adjoining highway project came close to devouring some or all of the land, but timely intervention by people prevented it. The construction of this temple is such that for seven days during the month of April-May (Chithirai) the sun’s rays fall on the lord and his consort.

Holy water (Theertham) – Padmatheertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Panai (Palmyra Palm)

History

Thirugnanasambandar(7th Century CE) has rendered thevaram hymns for the Lord here at Puravar Panankattur and thus at least over 1300 years old. Several stone inscriptions are present here and only about 16 of them have been recorded and documented. the important ones in thiese are those belonging to the periods of Rajendra I (1012 CE), Rajendran II (1058 CE), Udayar Adhirajendra Devan (1070 CE), Kulothunga I (1118 CE), Jadavarman Sundarapandyan I (1265 CE) and Vikramapandian III (1288). The details of these are in the Epigraphy Department at Mysore. Some of the information revealed by these inscriptions include donations, constitution and functioning of local administrative bodies, temple administration free food and water distribution. Some inscriptions are said to be lost during renovation. One inscription of Rajendra II also mentions the name of a dancer called Paravai who was loved by Rajendra I and treated as equal to a queen. Several trusts were existing in her name and donations have been made through them. This place is also mentioned as Paravaipuram. The same names are also seen in an inscription at Thiruvarur temple.

Legend

Surya having received a curse from Veerabadra is believed to have been cured of it when he prayed to the lord here at Puravar Panankattur. This is the base legend behind the rays of the Sun falling on the Lingam even to this day. Emperor Sibi story of giving his flesh to save the life of a pigeon is also mentioned as a legend here. Also present is a carving of this scene in a pillar. Pigeon in Tamil is Pura. This could have a connection with a part of the name of this place – Puravar Panankattur.

Directions

After Vikravandi in the Chennai-Tiruchirapalli highway take the left going to Thanjavur and Puravar Panankattur temple comes right adjacent to the main road in about a few kilometers.